The ultimate goal of guilt is condemnation, and the end result of condemnation is death. Guilt, condemnation and death are interwoven. It is a daily routine in the judiciary. When a man is found guilty, he is condemned to face the penalty; which could be imprisonment, retribution or death.
“Guilt” is so deadly that “Grace” alone could deal with it. It is Devil’s valuable scheme against anyone ignorant of “who he is” and “what he has” in Christ.
Romans 5: 1 – 2 [KJV]
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
There are four (4) powerful things to note as we break these two verses for better understanding, and we will take it one after the other.
- JUSTIFIED BY FAITH
Therefore being justified by faith …
Now let’s pay attention to the use of the word “Justified”, because we are going to deal with it. The word “Justified” is from the Greek word “Dikaioo” – This word is used in the judiciary, in the court of law.
The root meaning is when there is a judicial approval of someone or something. When the judge takes your side, when the judge declares in your favour, it means he has justified you!
When the judge says you’re not guilty that means he has defended you, even though he didn’t defend you literally, but something is done in your favour and you’re defended, then what happens is that you are discharged and acquitted, then the case is closed in your favour.
To be justified means to be approved, to declare someone as right or as upright, to speak in one’s favour; my favourite is, to declare not guilty.
Paul introduces this judicial term “Justified” to us in Romans 5: 1; a man is “declared not guilty” because of his faith in the Lordship of Jesus and the finished works Christ wrought on his behalf. It is the declaration of the almighty God; He pronounces a sinner righteous, innocent and free.
God justifies the unjust and declares the unrighteous righteous because of the perfect, once and for all sacrifice Jesus made for him. Justification is obtained by faith alone in Christ; it is not attained or worked for. Righteousness (the gift and the nature of God) also has been imparted into his spirit and credited into his account.
Romans 4: 5 [KJV]
Now to him that worketh is the reward reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
2. PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH CHRIST JESUS
We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ …
The word peace in this context is “Eirene” in Greek; it simply means “harmony”. When two parties or nations are at logger heads, the disputes are brought to a middle ground by a mediating partner to foster harmony, to establish a new contract and relationship. This is actually what Jesus did. He fixed everything at Calvary (the middle ground), and the witness is the Holy Ghost. God is forever pleased with the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. The mediator has brought harmonious relationship on both sides.
3. ACCESS BY FAITH INTO THIS GRACE WHERE IN WE STAND
By whom we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand …
The war is over; we have been reconciled to God and God has come home in us. We have free access now and always. We can freely live, move and have our being. We can now come boldly to the throne of grace. No restriction or denial. A relationship has been established. On this new contract, we stand!
4. REJOICING IN THE HOPE OF THE GLORY OF GOD
And rejoice in the hope of the glory of God…
Guilt and condemnation has been replaced with justification; hence, celebration. Our rejoicing is a result what Jesus accomplished, ratified and established. If you know what Jesus did for you in his death, burial and resurrection, you will throw a party everyday! Christ in you, the hope of glory, the reason for rejoicing.
DECLARATION
I am saved by grace and saved to the uttermost. The grip of sin, shame and condemnation is lost over me. I am in Christ justified and He is in me glorified, Glory to God! (Please spend more time to pray in the Holy Ghost)
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
Romans 8: 1, Romans 6: 14; 2 Corinthians 5: 21